My First Experience as a Solo Traveler

Why Budapest?

The first city that popped into my mind when I came up with this solo travel idea was Budapest, a gorgeous city that provides a perfect balance between daylight activities, cultural places, and one of the best nightlife in Europe.

I knew I wanted to visit Budapest because when I went to Prague I instantly fell in love with its spectacular views and magical places such as the Old Town Square and Prague Castle and got intrigued with Budapest when a friend of mine told me that it was even more captivating; so I needed to go to find out the truth by myself.

Hostels vs. Hotels: Where to Stay?

One of the greatest revelations I had from this travel is connected to how my perception of hostels changed. I always thought hotels were the better choice because they provide privacy and comfort, but they really lack in terms of socialization. I didn't know much about hostels, and I always looked at them in a strange way because I thought sleeping in dorms with other people would be so weird, but it actually isn't. I'm glad I've chosen to stay in a hostel because I've met so many people there that I wouldn't have met if I'd stayed in a hotel.

One of my main goals for this trip wasn't limited to seeing different places but rather about meeting new people. I believe that there are only a few things in the world better than knowing people from all over the world and being able to visit them when you travel.

Hostels nowadays are clean, cheap, and provide everything you might need during your stay; many also have a shared kitchen and a fridge where you can cook your stuff if you're on a budget and don't wanna eat out every day.

So if you're traveling alone, or maybe with a small group of friends, staying in a hostel could be the best option to have the best experience.

If you ask me I had a wonderful experience at Maverick Urban Lodge. It's cheap, clean, close to the city center, and extremely friendly. I really recommend it if you're looking for a stay in Budapest.

What not to Miss in Budapest

As a cultural landmark and a vibrant city Budapest provides different activities for everyone. Whether you're a party animal or a man of culture it doesn't matter, Budapest has definitely something to offer you.

Here is a list of places that you definitely cannot miss in Budapest:

Unfortunately, my camera wasn't able to capture the beauty of all these places, so I'll use some pictures found on the Internet.

• Fisherman's Bastion

Fisherman's Bastion is one of the most famous tourist attractions, located near Buda Castle. From the main facade, you can have a wonderful view of the Danube river and the Pest side of the city.

Fisherman's Bastion is named after the guild of fishermen that have defended the Castle District since the Middle Ages.

• Matthias Church

Close to the Fisherman's Bastion, you can see the stunning Matthias Church, a building which, in many ways, is bound to the history of the capital itself. Built in the 13th century it was the first city parish church. It was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman occupation in the 14th century and remained an Islamic worship place for 150 years until Turkey's expulsion. You can climb its 197 steps to reach the tower's summit and enjoy an exquisite view of Pest or lose yourself in studying its impressive artwork.

• Buda Castle

The main attraction of Castle Hill is obviously the medieval castle. It was built in the 14th century to give a home to Hungarian monarchs, and nowadays it also gives home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the National Széchényi Library, and the Budapest History Museum.

You can reach the summit by walking or by taking the Buda Castle Funicular if you don't feel sporty enough.

• Thermal Baths

Budapest is known worldwide for its thermal baths, and you definitely don't want to miss a relaxing afternoon soaking in the revitalizing thermal baths. Széchényi thermal baths is the largest medicinal bath in Budapest, located close to Heroes' Square, and has both inside and outside pools that can be used every period of the year thanks to their high temperature.

If you're into crazy parties, you won't want to miss the outdoor party inside the Széchényi thermal baths held every Saturday of the year.

• Danube River Cruise at Night

One of the best activities I've done in Budapest is the cruise on the Danube river at night. The city completely changes its face after the sunset by unveiling its magical and most spectacular side. All the city lights up and creates a mystical atmosphere that makes you almost feel inside a fairy tale.

You can see the Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion rising from their hill and the Liberty Statue vigil the city from above.

But the icing on the cake will only arrive in the sight of the shining Hungarian Parliament on the banks of the Danube river completely enlightened, whose view will forever remain imprinted in your mind.

• Szimpla Kert

Located in the city center in the 7th district, the ruin pub Szimpla Kert was named the 3rd best bar in the world by Lonely Planet magazine.

It is an iconic Hungarian night spot where you can experience a unique underground atmosphere and eclectic crowd, drink and eat, and enjoy live concerts and outdoor film screenings.

I got astonished when I got inside for the first time because of how huge and particular it is. It's an experience you cannot miss out on because you'll never find a place like that anywhere else.

• St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica is a catholic basilica located in the center of Budapest. It is named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary. The main attraction inside the church is the Holy Right, the king's right hand preserved in a reliquary in the right aisle of the basilica.

You don't also want to miss catching a glimpse from the top of the dome which gives a wonderful view of the Pest district.

• Hungarian Parliament

The Parliament is one of the most famous landmarks in the whole city. It's the meeting point of the Hungarian National Assembly and represents a symbol of the country's independence and loyalty to democracy.

The building can only be visited with a guided tour, so ensure to book it before you go.

The mighty building is located on the Danube river banks and contains precious artifacts such as the king's crown, imperial orb, scepter, and coronation sword. It's definitely a must-see attraction to dive a little bit deeper into Hungarian history.

• Heroes Square

Heroes Square is the largest public square in Budapest, and it gives home to the Millenary Monument, erected in 1896 to celebrate Hungary's 1000th anniversary.

The square and the monument are dedicated to those who lost their lives while fighting for the country's independence.

It's a place to explore, especially at night, when every light brightens the Hungarians' past, conveying almost a sacred atmosphere.

• Instant-Fogas

Last but not least, if you're young, wild, and free you cannot miss one of the best clubs in the whole Budapest. I had so much fun there, and I can assure you that magical things happen inside that place.

What if I feel lonely?

Feeling lonely while you solo travel can be a thing, especially if you solo-travel for long periods and you're constantly moving and traveling around. I've met many people that, unlike me, weren't there to spend a single weekend but were doing a road trip, visiting lots of European cities, so Budapest wasn't their destination but just a stop. This is typical for people living in America; many people from South America, Canada, and the States told me that for them taking a weekend off and visiting a European capital isn't an option, so they need to take like a whole month or more to explore as much as they can to make it worth it.

The downside of this fact is that when you arrive you can meet people that will leave the next day and continue on their road trip. For example, the night I got there I met three guys, one from Hong Kong, another from Sri Lanka, and the third from the UK, and they were all leaving the next day or the day after. At that moment I felt a little sad because I enjoyed spending the night with them and wished they had stayed more. However, the next day I met many other people, and the sadness of that moment quickly faded away.

Feeling a little lonely it's ok, and it's part of the game because you're actually traveling alone and meeting people along the way. I believe that being able to spend some time alone sometimes it's actually a good habit because you get to know a little bit more about yourself, and you can be selfish about what you want to do.

I used to visit the city on my own during the day, and after sunset, I went back to the hostel, and I used to go down to the Hall to try to connect with other people there that, most of the time, are looking for the same thing and are more than willing to chat.

And after a good talk, we often planned to go out for a drink together at Szimpla Kert and maybe hit the club later.

I've met so many people this way and had the best time of this experience with them.

I believe that solo traveling isn't something anyone is ready to do because I think many people would be scared to leave their comfort zone in such a radical way and go on their own in a different country, especially during their teenage years. You have to believe in your own abilities to handle yourself completely on your own, and you have to be willing to try new experiences.

But I think that when you overcome that fear, you really start living your life to the fullest, and I believe that anyone can do that, but only if you genuinely want it.

What do I bring back home?

There are many things to learn and understand from such an experience. They spread from the people I've met coming from different sides of the world and what they've told me about their culture and lifestyle; to the gorgeous places I've visited, the foreign language I've practiced, and the typical food I've tasted. But, for me, the most satisfying aspect is that I've been able to make this decision on my own, even when almost everyone was telling me not to go, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions in my life so far.

So, in the end, I would like to tell you that if you have this burning desire to travel and see the world, but you don't have anyone to go with, just pack your bag and go. Life is too short to wait for other people.